7 Facts You Need To Know About Toronto Chimney Repairs

Here Are Some Need To Know About Toronto Chimney Repairs

1. Chimney damage can build up even if you never use or infrequently use your chimney.

Even if you rarely use your chimney or never turn it on at all, there is still the need for regular chimney services and repairs. Customers are often shocked to find out how much damage a chimney can suffer even when it is rarely used.

2. Get a few estimates before conducting any chimney repairs.

Obtain a few different chimney repair estimates to ensure you’re not paying too much or getting oversold on things you don’t need. It’s super easy to get taken advantage of without a cost comparison, especially if you’re not all that familiar with the inner workings of your chimney.

A reputable contractor should supply you with sufficient documentation outlining the details of his or her estimate. Price should not be used as the sole indicator of whom to hire. Just because someone offers a really cheap estimate does not mean they will provide good work.

3. Chimney repairs should be a top priority.

It’s not uncommon to put off chimney repairs. All feelings aside, we understand there are plenty of other things you’d rather spend your money on. That’s why it’s important to realize the importance of chimney repairs; by conducting appropriate maintenance and repairs you are safeguarding your home and everything precious within its walls. According to the CSIA:

“The most important consideration is to make certain that the products of combustion are contained in the chimney and are vented outside the home. Because of economic issues some may elect to use their fireplace infrequently and take that chance that the fireplace will not create a problem. In some instances, a homeowner can elect to discontinue use of the fireplace until the appropriate repairs have been made. Keep in mind that the flue serving the furnace will be used any time that the thermostat calls for heat and the appliance kicks on. It is for this reason that the furnace, boiler and water heater venting systems should be considered a priority.”

4. There are ways to avoid the many chimney scams out there.

There are countless chimney repair scams out there and you don’t want to accidentally fall prey to one. Beware of any deals that seem too good to be true, and always get a second opinion, especially if you’re leery about the first one.

5. You may have experienced a chimney fire and not even know it.

It’s not uncommon to experience a chimney fire and know nothing about it. Small fires often spark up before a larger fire that causes serious damage and possibly even injury. Some signs that you may have experienced a chimney fire include:

You notice that the creosote in the flue looks puffy or honey combed-like.

There are large chunks of flue tiles missing or visibly falling off.

You see flakes of creosote littering the roof or ground around the chimney.

6. Creosote is a flammable substance that’ll naturally build up in your chimney.

Creosote is black or dark brown and can be flaky or crusty, tar-like, or sticky. You’ll likely see multiple types of creosote in one chimney system. No matter what form it appears in, all creosote is highly flammable. When it builds up in substantial amounts the likelihood that it combusts increases. Pair a build up of creosote from an unkempt fireplace with a super hot internal flue and the result is a chimney fire.

Certain things will cause creosote to build up faster, such as:

Restricted air supply

Unseasoned wood

Burning anything other than regular chimney wood

7. Do not use your chimney after a chimney fire.

If your wood or brick built-in chimney catches fire it requires necessary repairs before it can be safely used again. Pre-fabricated or factory-built chimneys should not be used after being damaged by a chimney fire. They should be discarded and completely replaced.